Destruction and Resistance

In the post-revolution lawlessness of Libya, Sufi shrines and mosques were bombed by Salafi militant groups. Photographer Nader Elgadi documented the fear, destruction and the efforts to resist in a series of photographs from 2013-2014.

A man performing Adhan (Call to prayer) on the eve of the celebration of the Prophet's birthday in Ahmed Pasha mosque in the old city of Tripoli.Photograph: Nader Elgadi

A sermon during the evening of Mawlid inside Ahmed Pasha mosque. The mosque also was subjected to attacks in 2013 but suffered only minor destruction. Photograph: Nader Elgadi

Part of the celebrations is eating sweets during the rituals.Photograph: Nader Elgadi

A drummer during a parade for Mawlid. The playing of music and the celebration of the Prophet's birthday are contentious issues for relations between Sufis and other strands of Muslim.Photograph: Nader Elgadi

A boy with a flag at a parade. Photograph: Nader Elgadi

An armed guard on the roof of a mosque in a bid to prevent an attack.Photograph: Nader Elgadi

Abubaker surveying the ruins of Sidi Shaab mosque after it was destroyed in an attack by Salafi militants. Photograph: Nader Elgadi

Families look at the bombed Al Andalusi shrine in 2013, a very significant icon of the city of Tajoura, in the east of Tripoli.Photograph: Nader Elgadi

As a form of resistance, Sufis continued praying at Sidi-Shaab mosque beside the ruins. Photograph: Nader Elgadi

A man crying during an emotional Dua (prayer) by the Imam on the targeting of Sufis and their places of worship in Tripoli and around the city.
Photograph: Nader Elgadi